What to know about US-Iran standoff over the Strait of Hormuz

Key Points:

• The Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route, has become a flashpoint in the US-Israel conflict with Iran, with Iran reversing its decision to reopen the strait and firing on ships amid a US blockade of Iranian ports.
• Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared strict control over the strait, demanding the US lift its blockade before allowing free navigation, while Iran’s parliament speaker warned no passage would be allowed without Tehran’s consent.
• US President Donald Trump affirmed the continuation of the blockade until a deal is finalized, threatening severe military strikes on Iran if negotiations fail, despite claiming ongoing “very good” discussions.
• Maritime traffic through the strait has halted after Iranian forces fired on several vessels, including Indian-flagged ships, prompting diplomatic protests and raising fears of escalating military conflict.
• Key unresolved issues include Iran’s nuclear enrichment program, with the US demanding dismantling of enriched uranium stockpiles, and a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon involving Hezbollah, which remains opposed to the truce and continues armed readiness.